According to Wikipedia:

1. A hedgehog is any of the spiny mammals of the subfamily Erinaceinae and the order Erinaceomorpha. There are 16 species of hedgehog in five genera, found through parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and New Zealand. There are no hedgehogs native to Australia, and no living species native to North America; those in New Zealand are introduced. Hedgehogs have changed little over the last 15 million years. Like many of the first mammals they have adapted to a nocturnal, insectivorous way of life. The name 'hedgehog' came into use around the year 1450, derived from the Middle English 'heyghoge', from 'heyg', 'hegge' = hedge, because it frequents hedgerows, and 'hoge', 'hogge' = hog, from its piglike snout. Other folk names include 'urchin', 'hedgepig' and 'furze-pig' .
   

African pygmy hedgehogs do not occur in the wild.  They are a crossbreed between at least two species of hedgehog called the four toed/white-bellied hedgehog and the Algerian hedgehog.  Your hedgehog will have either the coloring of Algerian hedgehogs or white-bellied hedgehogs, but it can have a variance in other aspects such as leg size, number of toes and weight.

Algerian hedgehogs are much larger than white-bellied and are typically darker in color.  There are currently 92 varieties of hedgehog color.  For information on determining the color of your hedgehog check out this COLOR GUIDE.

Since there are no species native to North America, many people believe them to be related to, and characteristically like porcupines, but the truth is that hedgehogs are not related to porcupines.  They are actually more closely related to our moles and shrews.  Yes, hedgehogs have quills like porcupines, but they are not barbed nor are they able to “shoot” from the hedgehog’s body like a porcupine’s. 

General Appearance

African pygmy hedgehogs are small, weighing between 200-1000g.  They have adorable raccoon like faces with beady eyes that range in color from black to pink to deep red.  They have wet, twitchy noses and long tongues.  They have short whiskers and depending on the characteristics inherited, may have a dark mask across its cheeks.  They have round ears set wide apart on the top of their heads and what we call a “reverse mohawk” - a strip down the middle of the top of their head without any quills.

A hedgehog’s back is covered in approximately 7,000 modified hairs called quills.  They are made of keratin and filled of hundreds of tiny air chambers, making them exceptionally strong and a truly amazing defense mechanism.  They are extremely light and act as shock absorbers for falls.  The round follicle at the base of each quill allows to it to bend. 

When threatened, hedgehogs roll into a tight ball using two strong muscles along its back, and the quills stand erect in every direction creating an impenetrable barrier against injury and predators.  It is not fun to get your fingers stuck inside a balled up hedgehog!

When the hedgehog is calm, the quills lay down flat along its back and feel to the touch like the bristles of a hard hairbrush.

Underneath the hedgehog is a soft furry underbelly.  Male hedgehogs have a penile sheath that almost looks like an outie belly button.  They have a short, stubby tail that sticks out straight underneath their quills.  They generally keep their tail tucked close to their body, so it’s usually only seen when sleeping or when they are “doing their business”.

Hedgehogs have spindly little legs with four or five toes.  Some have dew claws and some do not.  They have tiny toenails that sometimes need trimming.

Characteristics

African pygmy hedgehogs can live 5-7 years with proper care, but they can be subject to several health issues such as cancers, dental problems, Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, mites and obesity.  They do not require vaccinations.

They are pretty low maintenance pets as long as you keep them at the right temperature (between 72-78˚F) and provide adequate sunlight.  They eat a diet of high quality cat foods, insects, fruits and veggies and cooked meats.

They give off no odor.  The only smell you will have to deal with is from feces/urine in your daily cleanup.  They are relatively clean animals.

Hedgehogs have a humorous and gentle disposition.  Each hedgehog has its own personality, just like individual people, but once properly socialized your hedgehog will form a deep bond with you for its entire life. Some hedgehogs take a lot of patience, but it is so worth it in the ends to count these critters among your friends.

Hedgies are adorable and gentle little creatures that will capture your heart forever.

Contact: roxieprince@sayhedgehog.com